Knoxville vs Mount Juliet: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Mount Juliet, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Mount Juliet, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,865 | $60,365▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.82 | $29.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,191▲ | $45,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,534▲ | $52,428 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,851 | $74,951▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,855 | $87,654▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Mount Juliet, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Mount Juliet is $2,500 (4.32%). Mount Juliet's median is -11.41% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $16,664,Mount Juliet spans $42,106. Mount Juliet has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Juliet ($65,757 effective) pays 5.19% more than Knoxville ($62,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Juliet if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,365/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,654)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,757)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Knoxville grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Mount Juliet over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$40,680 (2019) → $54,900 (2025)
Mount Juliet, TN
$43,930 (2024) → $57,272 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Mount Juliet, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Knoxville or Mount Juliet?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Mount Juliet?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Mount Juliet as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Knoxville vs Mount Juliet?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov